Democracy in Scotland

Question 1

what does it mean if you see the words “features of a democratic political society”?

Answer 1

what are the key ways that citizens can engage politically in a democracy

Question 2

work of the fm (first minister)

Answer 2

• leader of winning party
• represents Scotland at home and in parliament
• make statements/announcements on government decisions
• appoint cabinet members

Question 3

voting systems

Answer 3

• F.P.T.P. (first past the post) - most votes wins (most votes in Scottish elections)
• A.M.S (additional members system) - 2nd vote for a party % of votes = % of seats

Question 4

influence

Answer 4

• media - news (tv, radio, ext.), social media, newspaper

* pressure groups - insider (works with govt), outsider (separate to govt)

Question 5

constitutional arrangement bc

Answer 5

• Queen
—-——————
| |
uk parliament + MSP’s
|
——————————
| | | Scottish Welsh Northern
parliament assembly Irish
(MSP’s) parliament

Question 6

rights and responsibilities in democracy

Answer 6

p: right to vote
e: use your vote
e: Scottish parliament elections

p: free speech
e: dint use hate speech
e: sectarian songs (football chants) @old firm banned

p: protest
e: over the law
e: trump/BLM/EP(extinction rebellion)

Question 7

devolved powers

Answer 7

• wealth- for example, free prescriptions in Scotland and not England
• education- highers/nat5 vs GCSE/A levels, rules around closures, free uni tuition in Scotland not England.
• housing
• economic development

Question 8

role of committees

Answer 8

• carry out enquiries/write reports on important issues and send recommendations and proposed bills to parliament
• closely examine/suggest bills
• deal with certain areas devolved areas such as health and sport
• public petitions committee will consider any petitions submitted by the public

Question 9

work of MSP’s in parliament

Answer 9

• sit on committee